Pregnancy and puerperium are markedly stressful periods that provoke mental illness. Any mental illness can recur or start anew during this period. The incidence of depressive disorders doubles during this period. Unfortunately, only 25% or even fewer of affected women receive appropriate treatment. Pregnancy, however desirable, is stressful for most women. The response to stress is different. Many women worry even if their baby is normal.Women whose babies have congenital defects and anomalies are more stressed. Towards the birth, the anxiety of childcare and changes in their own lifestyle are added to this. For women with a history of mental illness, pregnancy is usually a state of well-being. However, this can change in severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. In contrast, the puerperium carries a higher risk for the onset of mental illness. Some people may experience psychotic, depressive or manic illness after childbirth. The incidence of this increases about 30 times.
During the pre-pregnancy examination, it should be determined whether the expectant mother has had any mental health treatment in the past. Sexual abuse, for example, increases the risk of depressive illness. Personality disorders and mental illnesses that occur during pregnancy are evaluated and treated together with specialized psychologists and psychiatrists. It should be kept in mind that excessive stress during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, while excessive stress during the puerperium and the resulting severe depression can have dire consequences, up to and including suicide.
